Understanding your child's foot problems is important for early detection and intervention. Sever’s disease, medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, usually affects children ages eight to 14, especially those who are physically active. It is caused by inflammation of the heel growth plate and aggravated by repetitive stress from sports participation. Ingrown toenails in children often result from wearing ill-fitting shoes paired with improper nail cutting. Treatment from a podiatrist and proper shoe fitting changes may be necessary. Intoeing, characterized by walking with inward-turned feet, may require stretching exercises or casting under the guidance of a podiatrist. Metatarsus adductus is a congenital foot deformity that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward, but typically resolves itself without treatment. However, regular visits to a podiatrist for monitoring are suggested. Pediatric flat feet, while common in babies and toddlers, may warrant intervention to ensure proper arch development if the arch fails to appear with growth. Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, can be painful and affect mobility. If your child has any of these conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for periodic exams and treatment as needed.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Step into relief and reclaim your mobility! Foot and heel pain can be a thing of the past with the right Custom Orthotics. Customized to your unique foot structure, they provide the support and alignment needed to alleviate discomfort. Whether you're walking, running, or simply standing, Custom Orthotics ensure every step is cushioned and pain-free. Don't let foot ailments dictate your day. With Custom Orthotics, embrace a world of comfort and freedom. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Your choice of footwear is more than just a fashion statement. Footwear significantly impacts the health of your feet. Whether you are navigating hard surfaces or engaging in physical activities, the shoes you wear can make a difference. For concrete or other hard surfaces, wearing supportive shoes with softer soles and arch support are essential to minimize foot pain and prevent issues like calluses and corns. Lace-up boots can offer relief by maintaining leg alignment, although they may limit ankle mobility. However, high heels can cause significant physical stress, altering foot position and posture and potentially lead to long-term damage. Sports enthusiasts should prioritize shoes with adequate cushioning and stability to prevent injuries. Custom-made orthotics tailored to your foot's unique needs can help to address specific issues and prevent further injury. Regularly alternating and replacing your shoes can vary foot posture and decrease the risk of injury. If you are experiencing foot problems or need guidance on proper footwear choices, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom-made orthotics can play an important role in addressing mobility issues in children, especially those with conditions like flat feet, cerebral palsy, or developmental delays. These orthotic devices are tailor-made to fit the unique needs of each child's feet, providing support, stability, and alignment correction. They can help alleviate pain, improve gait patterns, and enhance overall mobility and function. In conjunction with protective footwear, custom orthotics can significantly enhance the child's comfort and quality of life. If your child has mobility issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if custom-made orthotics can help provide support and functionality for the child's activities and lifestyle.
If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, have a history of foot and ankle injuries, or are interested in exploring Custom orthotics, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Michael A. Wood at Foot Health Institute. Our doctor is dedicated to offering the care required to help you remain pain-free and stay on your feet.
What are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics refer to custom inserts designed for placement in different shoe types, including athletic and formal footwear, with the purpose of alleviating a spectrum of foot-related problems such as flat feet, heel pain, and overall foot discomfort. These inserts are instrumental in providing relief and comfort for a diverse range of foot conditions, including heel pain, and can also act as a proactive approach to injury prevention.
Medical Grade Shoe Inserts:
A diverse array of shoe inserts is available for addressing foot pain, heel discomfort, and minor issues. For instance, you can place arch supports in your shoes to rectify overarched or flat feet, and gel and cushioned insoles are frequently chosen for the comfort and relief they provide from foot and heel pain by reducing pressure.
If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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